South Sudan’s parliament is set to reopen in June 2025, but deepening political divisions threaten the stability of legislative proceedings.
The ongoing crisis, particularly within the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO), has disrupted parliamentary functions, raising concerns about governance and the future of the peace process, according to an activist.
Civil society leader Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), has urged lawmakers to prioritize resolving political disputes during the upcoming sessions.
“Parliament must reopen, but beyond that, lawmakers need to focus on resolving the political challenges at hand,” Yakani said. “Restoring trust and confidence among political actors is essential for the full implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).”
Yakani’s call for action followed a meeting between President Salva Kiir and National Legislative Assembly Speaker Jemma Nunu Kumba, where the president instructed that parliament resume its sessions in June after an extended recess.
However, concerns have emerged over the absence of several opposition lawmakers, sparking debate about the potential implications for parliamentary proceedings.
Political uncertainty has escalated, with multiple opposition figures reportedly fleeing the country due to fears of arrest, casting doubts on whether parliament can function effectively upon reopening.
SPLM-IO lawmaker Juol Nhomngek stated that the chief whips will address the absence of party members during the upcoming sessions. However, tensions remain high within the opposition ranks, with divisions undermining the party’s ability to present a unified stance.
Yakani has pointed to ongoing conflicts between SPLM and SPLM-IO, as well as internal power struggles within party structures, as key factors affecting parliamentary operations.
He urged political factions to embrace dialogue as the only viable solution.
“My appeal to the leadership of SPLM-IG and SPLM-IO is to embrace dialogue and resolve their internal conflicts,” Yakani urged. “Indicators show that friction and aggression among party members continue to rise daily.”
As South Sudan prepares for the return of parliamentary sessions, lawmakers face the daunting challenge of overcoming political deadlock.
Whether the opposing factions can reconcile and ensure effective governance remains uncertain, but the upcoming sessions could prove decisive in shaping the country’s political future.
